Tag Archives: E3

Nintendo’s E3 presence started with a boom today, as the Super Smash Bros. series director made a handful of announcements ahead of the Nintendo Digital Event on Tuesday.

Most notably, new characters and stages are available to download in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, and via the Nintendo eShop. Here’s the line-up of new content available for download now – providing Nintendo’s servers have recovered from the influx of traffic post-show: Continue reading →

One of the UK’s most popular TV presenters and Nintendo’s host for the Nintendo 3DS’s pre-launch event last year, Jonathan Ross has delivered his verdict on the Wii U after getting some hands-on time with the console at E3 earlier this week; most notably praising Nintendo for getting third parties on board, and calling the Wii U a “Wii on steroids.”

“Seeing as Nintendo are paying for my hotel they currently have the lion’s share. Which, conveniently, they have also earned, for at least showing us something if not exactly new, at least different, in their next generation home console, the Nintendo Wii U. It’s not new because they showed it last year as well… they promise that it will be out this year, before Christmas, and you will want one.

“It’s the Wii on steroids – faster processor, better resolution and with delusions of grandeur that has encouraged it to grow a screen on the primary controller that not only serves as a backup, so that you can keep playing if someone else comes in and wants to watch another three days of poor jubilee coverage from the BBC on the main screen, but also adds to the gameplay in some rather fun ways.”

As well as his wise remarks regarding the console, he’s also commented on one of the most-anticipated first-party titles for the system thus far – Pikmin 3:

“[Pikmin 3] looked absolutely gorgeous and introduced a new type of character – the rock Pikmin – and a more immersive, deep strategy gameplay that seems to benefit from the extra screen.”

From the various Wii U trailers that have shown up online, do you share a similar positive opinion as Jonathan Ross, or are you waiting to get your hands on the console before you pass judgement?

Nintendo has revealed via its All-Access @ E3 2012 website the full technical specifications of the Wii U hardware and the features to be included when the system launches during this year’s Christmas period.

Technical Specifications

Size

Approximately 1.8 inches high, 10.5 inches deep and 6.8 inches long.

Weight

Approximately 3.41 pounds (1.5kg).

Appearance

The new console features a compact design that will make it a natural addition to any home entertainment setup.

Wii U GamePad

The Wii U GamePad controller removes the traditional barriers between games, players and the TV by creating a second window into the video game world. It incorporates a 6.2-inch, 16:9 aspect ration LCD touch screen, as well as traditional button controls and two analog sticks. Inputs include a +Control Pad, L/R sticks, L/R stick buttons, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons, ZL/ZR buttons, Power button, HOME button, -/SELECT button, +/START button, and TV CONTROL button. The GamePad also include motion control (powered by an accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic sensor), a front-facing camera, a microphone, stereo speakers, rumble features, a sensor bar, an included stylus and support for Near Field Communication (NFC) functionality. It is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and weighs approximately 1.1 pounds (500 g).

Other Controllers

The Wii U console is capable of supporting two Wii U GamePad controllers, up to four Wii Remote (or Wii Remote Plus) controllers or Wii U Pro Controllers, and Wii accessories such as the Nunchuk, Classic Controller and Wii Balance Board.

Video Output

Wii U Features

In addition to introducing new ways to play, Wii U also offers users a variety of non-gaming features to enhance the overall experience.

Miiverse

Miiverse is a brand-new network communication system that lets gamers from around the world share experiences, discuss games and discover new content. Using their personalised Mii character, players enter Miiverse and see games, applications or entertainment content that either they have interacted with recently, expressed interest in learning more about or that their friends are using or discussing. From here they can challenge their friends to play together, ask a question about a difficult level or discover new elements of their favourite games they never knew existed. After a notable achievement or other share-worthy moment, players can pause their game or application and seamlessly post messages to the Miiverse community.

TV Remote

The Wii U GamePad controller may also function as an infrared TV remote, whether users are watching TV or playing a game.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

The Wii U GamePad has the ability to communicate wirelessly with objects that are held above it. This allows for a variety of interesting new possibilities for games and activities.

Nintendo eShop

The digital storefront for Wii U will be available at launch and offer a variety of content for people to download and enjoy. Consumers will also be able to purchase and download select games that are also available at retail stores.

Video Entertainment

Nintendo is working with Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Instant Video, and YouTube to bring video experiences to Wii U that will take advantage of the integrated second-screen experience. Additional details will be released at a latter time.

Video Chat

Using the built-in camera of the Wii U GamePad, people can communicate with other Wii U owners in real time.

Internet Browser

Wii U comes with a browser that lets people with a wireless Internet connection surf the Internet from the comfort of their couches.

Impressive stuff! We look forward to seeing how this plethora of features is implemented into the games, and how developers make use of the revolutionary hardware. Which of the above are you most surprised or overjoyed to hear about?

If you thought the Wii U’s got a lot of games on the way before Christmas, just wait until you see the 3DS’s line-up… unless you’ve already scrolled down and skimmed through the list already, in which case we’re sure you’ll agree that the 3D handheld has a lot going for it heading into the Christmas period.

Nintendo DS

It’s worth bearing in mind that this is the American line-up, so don’t be confused when some titles release a little earlier or later than is slated in this list over here in Europe. It’s also worth noting that Pokémon Conqueststill hasn’t been confirmed for a European release, Rhythm Thief released over here a few months back, and Heroes of Ruin has been delayed in America.

All in all, though, not a bad line-up for the 3DS this year, with the exception of Ubisoft’s Petz and Imagine games after its phenomal support for the Wii U thus far.

Following Reggie’s claims of a “massive line-up” of both first and third-party games, Nintendo’s released a comprehensive list of games which are set to release on Nintendo’s forthcoming HD console – both retail and download – most of which should be with us before Christmas.

eShop

A wide variety of games coming to Wii U before next year, then – from SiNG to ZombiU, and from Runner2, to Mass Effect 3, it looks like we’ll have plenty of Wii U games on our Christmas wishlist this year!

“The small touchscreen in your hands is the portal into the Wii universe.”

And we’re now finishing with one last look at Nintendo Land – nothing spectacular.

So we’ve had some solid announcements from third-parties (Mass Effect 3, Arkham City and LEGO City to name a few), but there’s so many Nintendo IPs that remain untouched. Where’s our new Star Fox, Metroid, or even Zelda!? Still, news of a new Pikmin and 2D Mario game can only be good news, right? Let us know what you thought of Nintendo’s conference below!

After no Wii U news whatsoever from EA, Ubisoft has revealed six games for Nintendo’s upcoming HD console during its 2012 E3 presentation. Here’s our round-up of the the conference that got us banned from Twitter!

We had Usher singing during Microsoft’s conference, now we have dancers and a rapper. Just Dance?

The rapper’s Flo Rida, apparently.

Yes, Just Dance 4 has been revealed, coming 9th October.

“Life is the fuel that powers the game.”

Far Cry’s producer is now on-stage to present a trailer.

Far Cry 3 is looking rather beautiful. Nice to see some green jungles in a first-person game rather than the grey/browns we’ve been witnessing all day.

If you were surprised to hear that Nintendo were broadcasting a Nintendo Direct video just two days before its E3 presentation, just wait until you hear the news that came out of it! From a black Wii U console, to the Wii U Pro controller, we have the summary of our live-tweets directly from the presentation below:

Is your body ready!?

Hi Iwata!

“Creating something unique” – words that have guided Nintendo since the early days of the company.

This Nintendo Direct presentation is “something unique.”

Discussions regarding Wii U began in 2008.

Wii U controller’s name is the Wii U Game Pad.

Does it have analogue sticks or Circle Pads?

Proper analogue sticks for the Wii U Game Pad!

For the first time on a Nintendo controller, clickable analogue sticks!

The rumours were right! The square below the D-pad is an NFC Reader / Writer.

The other button, next to the power button is the TV Power Button, meaning you can turn the Game Pad on without the console.

The Wii U Game Pad is capable of becoming an infrared TV remote.

The Wii U Game Pad offers “Asymetrical diversity in gameplay.”

What this means in terms of gameplay is to be shown of at E3 next week.

Touch-screen controller can be used with a finger or a stylus to provide intuitive controls.

Wii U Game Pad to include Motion Sensor and Gyro Sensor.

Higher-end hardware to be shown off with games at E3 next week.

More casual games to utilise the Wii U Game Pad’s ability to play games on the controller without the TV.

High-quality console graphics on both the TV and the Game Pad.

Supports all Wii peripherals – Wii Remote, Nunchuk and Balance Board.

Wii U Pro Controller revealed -obviously aimed at hardcore audiences!

Wii U is not an evolution of the Wii. Does what Nintendo did, only better. It also adds something completely new in connecting people.

A Wii U concept trailer being shown off. Shows black Game Pad.

You can send broadcasts to other gamers with similar games asking for help. Other gamers can check these from mobiles.

Is this a Nintendo social network!?

You can video-call what appear to be friends in your Wii U mid-game to ask them for help.

The cheesy character in the concept trailer defeats a monster with the help of an elderly fellow!